Gold Coast Health is making sure children get the best start in life, with a new program supporting the health, development and social wellbeing of families with new babies.
The Maternal Early Childhood Sustained Home-visiting Program (MECSH) draws together the best available evidence on the importance of the early years, children’s health and development, the types of support parents need, parent-infant interaction and how to support families overall.
“This program is all about setting families and children up for success,” Assistant Director of Nursing, Rebecca Shaw, said.
“A Child Health nurse visits the family in their home, a community setting or virtually from the antenatal period up to two years old, providing support around a range of topics including the health and wellbeing of the baby, parent-child relationship, sleep and settling, nutrition, feeding, oral health and home safety.
First-time and single mother Chylaan Patterson is one of 60 local parents receiving support through the program.
“I was told I wouldn’t be able to have children, so it came as a shock when I found out I was pregnant and I was incredibly nervous and overwhelmed,” Chylaan said.
“Being involved in the MECSH program is the best thing I’ve said yes to. I adore the program, my nurse makes me feel incredibly at ease and no question is too hard for her.
“I’ve never felt so supported.”
Chylaan and Savannah-Leigh get regular visits from nurse Sally.
MECSH is available for families and caregivers who need extra support due to complexities they may be facing, as well as families who do not have Medicare.
The program is part of $65.54 million invested into implementing more sustained health home visiting and antenatal support, as part of the statewide Putting Queensland Kids First initiative.
Gold Coast Health is one of four Hospital and Health Services across the state who provide this service.
“We currently have 15 Child Health nurses in the program, with another 22 being trained this month by Western Sydney University,” Rebecca said.
“The goal is to eventually have all our nurses trained for this program, because the feedback from families show it’s working.”
“Having a Child Health nurse visit me in my own home has been really helpful,” Chylaan said.
“It’s given me extra support, reassurance and validation and I feel better prepared for what’s ahead.”
